“You’re getting good at this.” West bit a nail.

“That’s why they pay me the big bucks. Next time, you can have god inside of you and hand out the orders.”

Benton activated the sheet of glass she’d carried into the room. “Theory reports that we have a 60/40 lock on Linear. A/O position lock expected within three runs.” Figures danced from the display across her chin, cheeks, half-glints in colorless eyes. “Static’s quiet, though. They could be ghosting our sensor fleets.”

“No…” Judith shook her head. “This time they want us to find them.”

“Could be a trap.”

“They don’t have anywhere to run. This isn’t the first war. We’re in charge now.”

“Right.”

Judith turned to Paul. “Something smart to say, sugartits?”

Layers of frown clouded with uncertainty. “I wouldn’t have made it so simple.”

“You thought too much. Made a very messy existence for us to clean up.”

“Yeah, sorry about that.” The author’s eyes narrowed. “Most books don’t become real.”

the war was beautiful

“Was it?”

“Just slipped out.”

Judith walked to Paul’s side, demure smile on her face. She goosed him. He jumped.

“As long as we’re in your brain, Paulywog, try not to let things ‘slip out,’ alrighty?” She walked to Hope, took the glass from her hand. “60/40? We can do better. Get back in. Take some help. Take… Hope? You up for a field trip?”

“I’ve never—”

“It’ll be good for you. Apply some of those fancy theories.” She turned to Paul. “Get out of here.”

“Yes, dear.”

amidst rivers Lethe and Styx an enigma wrapped in lies healing by primary intention an enigma wrapped in truths we are forgotten as easily as  

“Paul, you need to—”

“Adam?”

West turned. “Hmm?”

“Can we have a moment?” Paul nodded toward Benton.